Abstract:

ABSTRACT
The purpose of this study is to obtain comprehensive data and information on the distribution, dating, types, origin, and the development of Erong Coffins in Tana Toraja, Enrekang and Mamasa, Sulawesi, Indonesia. The study was conducted using two methods – archaeology and ethnographic methods. In order to determine the dating of the Erong coffin, radiocarbon dating method was employed by using wood samples taken from the coffins. The results of the study showed that the coffins were placed at Liang located in caves, rock shelter or hilly areas. These sites are located near the villages or paddy field. The Erong coffins at the Liang sites were placed in a southern or western orientation, away from the Tongkonan. Erong coffins found at Liang site were paired with the Tongkonan. The Liang site, on the other hand, forms part of the ethnic territory in the research area, and all the traditional groups had their characteristics Tongkonan and Liang sites, following their own traditions that was based on the teachings of Aluk To dolo. Their belief system Aluk To dolo was based on the worshipping of forefathers and the understanding of cosmology.
The types of Erong coffin found in the research area comprised rowing boats (perahu), buffaloes, pigs, horses, and those of circular shapes. The different shapes, decorations and ways of laying the Erong coffins are influenced by the beliefs, social stratifications, adaptations to physical environment and development from time to time.
Chronometric dating results of the Erong coffins suggest that the early period of Erong coffin burial culture in Tana Toraja territory began from 1130±50BP (800AD) until 1970s, at Enrekang between 790±50BP (1200AD) and 570±40BP (1500AD) while at Mamasa, this tradition started from 730±50BP (1300AD) until the 1970s. The types and shapes of the Erong coffins had developed over time: (i) from 800AD until 1200AD, the coffin were of medium-size boat (perahu) with a low roof, buffalo-shaped without legs, and some medium-size coffin with carving motifs such as geometrical lines, (ii) around 1300AD until 1600AD, Erong coffins came in the form of boats with high flat roofs that curved slightly upwards, coffins in the shape of buffaloes without legs and round coffins with some decorations such as geometrical line motifs, snakes, human beings with legs wide apart and masks, and (iii) between 1600AD until 1900AD, the Erong coffins are shaped like boats with high roofs and curve on both ends and raised high up similar to that of Tongkonan, round coffins, buffalo shaped coffins, and coffins in the shape of whole pigs as well as those decorated with horse heads. The boat and the buffalo-shaped coffins were decorated with various motifs.
The differences in the chronometric datings of the coffins in Tana Toraja, Enrekang and Mamasa area, suggest several possibilities: (1) migraftion of people, (2) exchange of ideas, and (3) arrival of new groups of people. The Erong coffins of Tana Toraja territory maybe related to the ironwood coffins of Borneo. However, further researches are needed to determine whether the wood coffin culture in Tana Toraja territory originated from Borneo territory or vice versa. Nonetheless, based on the dating, distribution and type of coffins, it is rather clear that the wood coffin culture in these two areas probably originated from the Philippines and southern China regions.